The interior of the ship hummed with a futuristic symphony, its sleek walls aglow with holographic panels and pulsating lights, a stark contrast to the crimson desolation left behind on the moon. The vast vessel, capable of cradling a million souls, carried only seven hundred—sparse figures wandering its gleaming corridors. The clock on Earth read 07:21 AM EDT, September 16, 3012, a new day dawning as Ayane stepped aboard, her purple hair catching the ambient light, her eyes wide with awe. "I've never seen technology like this," she murmured, her voice lost in the hum of advanced machinery.
A presence materialized beside her—Riah, her red-and-white striped hair cascading like a flame, her crimson-red and black eyes softening with recognition. "You look familiar. Weren't you with that boy and Gendai?" Her voice was gentle yet probing.
Ayane turned, nerves tightening her smile. "Heyy," she stammered. Riah's gaze lingered, searching. "You're here, but where are the other two? I know two of the boys are dead."
Ayane's voice faltered. "I left them. I couldn't handle Sando's reckless acts anymore."
Riah nodded, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "Well, make yourself comfortable." She turned, her figure receding down the massive halls, her footsteps echoing into the distance. Ayane watched, a whirlwind of doubt stirring within. Why did I hop on this ship? Am I going to seem weird?
Her steps carried her through the ship's labyrinthine corridors, where she paused, peering around a corner. There stood Kazimir, his indigo-blue coat billowing slightly, his black hair tipped with blue streaks catching the light as he conversed with civilians. His galactic eyes—swirling with stars and a crescent moon pupil—shone with a quiet intensity.
A man in a weathered coat spoke, his voice thick with gratitude. "I always believed in you, kid. You saved my daughter in the outer ring."
Kazimir's gaze shifted to the girl beside him, recognition dawning. "I remember. She's the one I saved from the parasite invasion in Jahard. I'm sorry I couldn't save your wife—I was too late."
The older man rested a hand on Kazimir's shoulder, his eyes misty. "It's okay. I wasn't in Jahard either—I was in Capriha working. You saved my little girl, so I still have a piece of my world left."
Kazimir inclined his head. "May I know your name, sir?"
The man smiled warmly. "I'm Jue." Kazimir nodded, shaking his hand. "Thank you for your courageous words, Jue." His gaze turned to the girl. "And may I ask your name, miss? You look about my age."
She blushed, shyly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "My name is Kamela. I'm twenty, like you."
Kazimir's smile was gentle. "How have things been for you lately?"
Kamela's gaze dropped. "It took a while to get over my mother's death, but I've been focusing on university."
Kazimir's curiosity piqued. "Oh? What do you study, if you don't mind me asking?"
"It's fine," she replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "I'm studying to be a surgeon."
Kazimir's eyes lit up. "Ohh? Looks like we've got a doctor on board."
Kamela laughed, a soft sound breaking the tension. "Don't tease me like that and can we take a picture?."
Kazimir nodded, Yes come stand close to me. Kamela held her phone and took a selfie of her and Kazimir.
From her vantage point, Ayane watched, her perception shifting. He isn't a bad guy after all. He seems more heroic than Sando. Maybe everything I heard about him was wrong. A voice shattered her reverie, shouting Kazimir's name. Two children—Ayanee and Tomoya—raced past Kamela, hurling themselves at Kazimir's legs. He stumbled, caught off guard. "Ohh, is that Ayanee and Tomoya? It's been a long time."
Ayane's eyes widened. Wait, that little girl shares my name? Tomoya laughed, his voice bright. "Yeahhh! Now we're going to Vrasnia where you live!"
Kazimir chuckled, a rare warmth in his tone. Ayane squinted, her initial fear fading. He's a different person. That scary aura's gone, even though he's a Nebula disciple. These people love him.
Kazimir glanced around. "Tomoya, Ayanee, since you're here, where are your parents?"
Ayanee piped up, "They're at the bar section having a drink."
Kazimir sighed. "Why did I even ask?" Ayane tugged his coat, her voice determined. "I've gotten stronger with my lightning! I want to be like you!"
Kazimir looked down, his galactic eyes meeting hers. "You want to be like me, huh? How about this: ask your mom, and if she allows it, I'll take you as my student and teach you my ways."
Ayanee's eyes sparkled with life. "You mean it?!"
Kazimir ruffled her hair. "Yes, I mean it." Tomoya chimed in, "Not fair! I wanna learn too!"
"You're welcome too, Tomoya," Kazimir replied. In a flash, they raced down the hall toward their parents. Kazimir muttered, "They aren't wasting any time." A family of six approached, their voices mingling with gratitude.
Ayane stepped back, muttering to herself, "He seems too busy to approach right now." She turned, navigating the ship's corridors, and settled at a food stall, staring at the menu. What do I want to eat?
Raijin slid onto the stool beside her, his lightning aura faint but present. "Didn't expect to find you here."
Ayane glanced at him. "Oh, it's you, Raijin, right? How are the others—the two girls?"
Raijin grinned. "Haha, they're fine. Felicia and Lihanna are resting, and Kamaki's wandering the ship. But what made you come here?"
Ayane fell silent, then spoke softly. "I value my life. With Sando, I'd just march to my death—his ego killed Pluto and Glavatus."
Raijin leaned back, propping a foot on the counter. "Yeah, that guy's a loser. I'd have ditched his ass too."
Ayane nodded. "Fair. I'm sure he sees me as an enemy now."
Raijin shrugged. "Obvious, but don't worry—you'll be fine." A worker approached, her voice steady and bold. "Sir, take your foot off the counter."
Raijin chuckled, lowering his feet. "Oop, sorry." He turned back, placing money on the counter. "Whatever she wants, it's on this. Keep the change." With a wave, he said, "Ayane, see ya," and strolled off, leaving her to ponder her new path amid the ship's futuristic hum.